Let’s Meet: Sally Port View

Perched on the picturesque shores of Lake Ontario’s Three Mile Bay, you’ll find one of the area’s top modern event centers: Sally Port View. A flexible space perfect for a range of event styles and sizes, Sally Port View is also home to an increasingly-popular new bar & restaurant, as well as several cozy guest cottages. At least in part, this multi-stage project has been planned in conjunction with our partners who specialize in business consulting, helping to pave the path forward.

From an empty waterfront to a thriving event venue, Sally Port View is steadily becoming one of the best places in the area to relax, enjoy some good food and meet some great people. So, come meet the dynamic duo pioneering the revitalization of the Three Mile Bay area! Our team chatted with K.C. Bennett about his family’s business in mid-2024.

The Origins of Sally Port View

K.C. Bennett’s story is a familiar one: a soldier who fell in love with the area and decided to call it ‘home.’ After graduating from West Point in 2003 and joining the Army, KC’s first duty station was at Fort Drum. While there, he met his wife Sara, who’d grown up in a big family in the Three Mile Bay area.

Later, the couple moved a few times to follow K.C.’s career, first in the military, then the federal government, and finally the software industry. Along the way, he’d earned his MBA from Yale and begun to think about becoming a business owner himself.

Wanting to raise their children near family, the couple decided to return to Drum Country and take a chance on a dream. For years, they’d driven past a piece of property in Lyme, NY with a spectacular view, and fantasized about the possibilities. But, after moving back to the area, K.C. and Sara asked the owner if they’d be interested in selling – and he said yes!

Then, the real challenge began: turning an empty piece of lakefront property into a space that could both support their family and contribute to their community.

The Process of Starting a Small Business

Naturally, the gorgeous location inspired the business! With 1,250 feet of waterfront on the quiet Three Mile Bay, it’s no wonder Sally Port View is becoming an incredibly popular destination for special celebrations, elegant weddings, corporate offsite events and more. On top of that, the property also hosts local get-togethers, concerts, school dances and other gatherings for the community.

At the start, the Bennetts had planned to build a wedding barn, but quickly pivoted to unlock the full potential of the stunning view. Instead, the property has steadily grown to include 5 cottages, a 13,000-foot main facility dominated by a beautiful main hall with breathtaking natural light and views.

Of course, as with many big projects, Sally Port View has continued expanding in stages. Shortly after construction began, inflation began to soar, making the budget more variable than normal and prolonging the project. But they pulled through, committed to providing their area with a relaxing venue in which to enjoy delicious food, unique events and a lively atmosphere. To ensure its use in all seasons, the Bennetts have purposefully built the Sally Port to be easily used for a variety of purposes! Some of these will include cooking classes with professional chefs, pop-up restaurants, guided angling experiences or fishing tournaments, pet-friendly lodging with a view and more.

Business Consulting Assistance from Drum Country Community Partners

Of course, Sally Port View was not built in a silo. The Bennetts relied on the expertise of local contractors such as the Goutrement Brothers, showcasing the talent of this area’s workers while putting them to the test.

While battling delays and budget challenges in the construction process, the ongoing project was bolstered by support from Drum Country’s economic development-focused community partners. Through business consulting and the exploration of financing opportunities, local organizations such as Jefferson County, NY Economic Development (JCED and JCIDA), North Country Alliance (NCA) and the Development Authority of the North Country (DANC) helped bring this dream to fruition.

The Bennetts are especially grateful to Michelle Capone, Dave Zembiek, Lyle Eaton and Matt Siver for their dedication to helping small local businesses. Through their seemingly-infinite patience and understanding of financial and business issues, Sally Port View was able to weather the storm and see construction through.

National Grid also contributed a substantial grant to offset the cost of electric access and installation across the 57-acre parcel.

In the long term, the Bennetts would like their new wedding venue and accommodations to lead the way in sparking the next wave of Chaumont Bay businesses, from hotels to restaurants and beyond. After all, the greater Drum Country region enjoys ample space to expand, a talented pool of workers, plenty of business consulting services and ample resources to meet project goals! Explore more ways Drum Country’s location gives local businesses an edge.

Best Parts of Life in Drum Country

The best part? The views never get old. With layers of gorgeous scenery in every direction, Sally Port View’s waterfront offers some of the best views in every season. A fact which the Bennetts enjoy, each morning they arrive at the venue.

On top of that, the area’s abundant wildlife make it a haven for animal enthusiasts of all kinds! Just a short drive away, you’ll find a gar-spawning hotspot, unique limestone biomes home to special species of plants, a tower perfect for birding at the Ashland Flats Wildlife Management Area and much, much more.

When they’re not exploring the unique attractions of the area, KC and Sara are often found either hanging out with their family and dogs out on the lake or hiking down some of the area’s local streambeds.

Further on, KC plans to continue his nonprofit work focused on connecting soldiers who’ve experienced trauma with the support they need to reduce stress on their redeployment into society. The support would come in the form of experienced professionals across financial, psychological, and coaches who are prepared to provide basic tools necessary to help alleviate the stress of dealing with past trauma. This would be a multi-day program held at Sally Port View with accommodations and meals provided.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Take Advantage of Business Consulting

As a beautiful location with plenty of year-round tourists and bountiful opportunities to grow, the Bennetts believe there’s a high demand for unique local businesses within the Drum Country region.

With determination, a good plan and a willingness to accept help from the community, KC believes any savvy business can thrive here. After all, this area’s bountiful resources, natural scenery, strong infrastructure and great location make it an asset for many types of business! If you’re looking to get started, reach out to a Drum Country business consulting partner today.